Maratha Reservation Protest: Agitators Try To Barge Into CCI Premises In Mumbai, Gates Shut As Precautionary Measure

The situation in the South Mumbai has escalated amid the Maratha Protest as the agitators have tried to barge into the premises of the Cricket Club of India (CCI). The CCI issued an official statement regarding the same, claiming that the guards are doing everything they can to prevent them from entering the premises and have closed the gates.

The protest first began on August 29 and has entered into its fourth day. Activist Manoj Jarange, who is leading the protest has been fighting for 10 per cent quota for Marathas under the Other Backwards Class (OBC) category to have the benefits included in them. Maharashtra's chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has vowed to take legal opinion on the matter.

The agitators have refused to budge out of their demands until their conditions are met. Nevertheless, it has cause massive inconvenience to the commuters, bringing the city to a standstill. Notably, they have occupied the Azad Maidan in Mumbai and other nearby areas. A 45-year-old protestor reportedly suffered a heart attack during the hunger strike in Mumbai, resulting in him falling unconscious.

Speaking during an interaction, Jarange-Patil took potshots at Fadnavis, as quoted by The Hindustan Times:

"Due to his stubbornness, Marathas were forced to come to Mumbai to protest. The same Fadnavis, when in the Opposition, had claimed that our community could get reservations if there was political will. After coming to power, he changed colour like a chameleon."

"From tomorrow, I will stop taking water" - Manoj Jarange-Patil

Ahead of the fourth day of Protest, Jarange-Patil stated that their demand is constitutionally valid and that they out to receive the benefits. As quoted by Mint, he stated:

"From tomorrow, I will stop taking water as the government is not accepting the demands. But I am not going back till the quota demand is met. We will get Marathas reservation under the OBC category no matter what. Our demand is constitutionally valid. The government has records of 58 lakh Marathas as Kunbis. Marathas will come to Mumbai (for the agitation) as and when they get time."

Conversations with the government have been inconclusive at this point.